Glasgow Rangers added two new talents to their first-team squad during the January transfer window as Michael Beale landed midfielders Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell.
On the flip side, the Gers also allowed some players to move on with one such exit being that of Charlie McCann’s permanent departure to Forest Green Rovers in England.
The Northern Ireland international left for an undisclosed fee and was described as an “absolutely outstanding talent” by his new team’s head of performance and recruitment Stevie Grieve.
It was a slightly surprising decision by the club as McCann had played four first-team matches and been called up by his country’s senior team this season, despite not turning 21 until April.
The central midfielder, who had scored five goals and provided two assists in eight B Team outings this term, started a Premiership game against Dundee United in 2022/23 and made two key passes, one tackle, and one interception in the clash.
Despite his involvement in the first team, Michael Beale may not have been able to promise him regular game time in the near future and that could have resulted in a decision being made amid interest from Forest Green.
Or the head coach could have seen a talent further down the production line who could end up surpassing McCann and breaking into the senior side.
If the latter was the case then that player could be Northern Ireland U19 international Charlie Lindsay, who has been on fire for the B Team this season.
His former Glentoran coach, David Lowry, once lauded the gem’s talent, saying: “He is a box-to-box midfielder who covers every blade of grass.
“He is powerful and quick, and his range of passing is first class. He also knows when to pick a pass, and then he delivers it with precision. He ticks so many boxes as a footballer.”
Lindsay has backed up Lowry’s praise by delivering nine goals and seven assists in 32 appearances in all competitions for the B Team in 2022/23, showing that the midfielder can make a big impact at the top end of the pitch with his ‘first class’ passing and precision.
Like McCann, the 18-year-old – who is two years younger than the now-Forest Green gem – can play as an attacking midfielder or in a deeper eight role, which means that he would suit one of the eight’s in a 4-3-3 or the ten in a 4-2-3-1 for Beale.
Lindsay is already impressing, with goals and assists, in the B Team and has two years of development and growth to catch up on McCann, which could have played a role in the club’s decision to sanction the 20-year-old’s exit.
The current Gers gem could now replace his compatriot by stepping up to the first team when needed, with a view to breaking in as a regular in the future, as his statistics this term indicate that he has the potential to make the step up.